She loves fashion and science, and not wanting to give up one for the other, she decided to fuse the two. What was the outcome? She became a Cosmetic Chemist.Kathryn Nurse is only 26-years-old, but already the former Bishop Anstey High School student and George Washington University graduate, spearheads her own cosmetic company, Immortelle Beauty, and has just hosted a soft launch for her first full cosmetic product line-Foot Rehab-a pedicure line.
The journey to her path
After graduating from George Washington University with a BSc in Science and Biology, Nurse found herself working at Cosmetech Lab in the US as a chemist."I really got the hands-on experience there because I got to formulate products for the company, and my colleagues and I would also experiment in formulating our own products. "My colleagues were the ones who actually encouraged me to start my own line because they found I formulated products quite well," said Nurse.Considering her colleagues faith in her work, Nurse returned to T&T on a mission to set up shop.With a loan from the bank and her father as chief financial officer of the company, Nurse successfully gained entrance into the beauty business.
Niche product
The Diego Martin native, who is also currently studying Fashion Management at UTT, boasted that her products, designed particularly for Caribbean women and manufactured right here in T&T, were not to be considered just another line available anywhere."The line is developed as a niche product. It is really a luxury line. You're not going to find these products being advertised through the usual mediums, the PR is really through word of mouth," explained Nurse."Customers of this line can shop online at the company's Web site-www.immortellebeauty.com. They can also visit us on facebook or follow us on twitter for information on the availability of the products and the company."Currently Foot Rehab is available at the Gallery at Long Circular Mall.
Living a dream
Thankful to everyone who supported her along the way, Nurse said she was grateful to be living her dream."I always wanted to do this and I'm doing it, so I am just happy that I got the chance to."I get to do something that I enjoy doing so I never feel cheated even if my social life gets a bit interrupted. Making products for me is like cooking...It's all about following a recipe, you just have to follow the guidelines," laughed Nurse.
Advice
I was always taught to never get worked up about things and just live the solution. Starting any business has it's obstacles, but if you really want it then just roll with the punches."Anyone wanting to get into the business of cosmetics should know that maintaining relationships with suppliers that you trust is extremely important. They must also understand that cosmetics is not just about what goes in the jar, but it is also about packaging and presentation."